Louisville, KY (September 29, 2022) – Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) announced today that Zach Heibert of Hardin County is the 2022 KFB Excellence in Agriculture award recipient.

Each year, KFB awards first, second and third place “Excellence in Agriculture” distinctions to individuals or couples under the age of 35 who contribute to, and exhibit leadership growth from, consistent involvement in Farm Bureau and other agriculture and civic-oriented organizations. To qualify for this award, contestants must not have most of their income subject to normal production risks associated with farming.

Heibert is an Assistant Vice President Agricultural Loan Officer with a community bank in Hardin County. He also co-owns a cattle and forages farm. Heibert grew up on a farm and continues to assist his father with farming operations. Heibert previously managed a farm supply store owned by Nutrien Ag Solutions, where he provided advice and recommendations to local farmers.

As an active participant in the farming industry, Heibert has participated in and led numerous agricultural organizations over the years, including local installments of the Farm Bureau Young Farmers Program and Farm Bureau Board. In 2021, he was recognized as the second place winner of the KFB Excellence in Agriculture Award.

Heibert will receive a cash credit toward the purchase of a John Deere product of his choice from Farm Credit Mid-America and will represent Kentucky in the national contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in January.

Caleb Smithson of Butler County was recognized as the second place winner and was awarded $400 by KFB. Third place in the contest went to Courtney Jenkins of Magoffin County who received $300 courtesy of KFB.